Communication and language

The development of spoken language is essential for a child’s development and is therefore a key element to the curriculum. Spoken interactions create the foundations for language and cognitive development and we aim to have a number of quality conversations throughout the day with each child. Staff will comment on things children are doing or are interested in and whilst doing so will introduce new words in order to build up vocabulary. We encourage a love of reading and enjoy quality books with our children including rhymes, poems, non-fiction and stories. Children develop their language skills through role play, story-telling and conversations where staff can model language skills and ask questions which help children use new vocabulary taught.

ELG: Listening, Attention and Understanding

Children at the expected level of development will:

- Listen attentively and respond to what they hear with relevant questions, comments and actions when being read to and during whole class discussions and small group interactions;

 - Make comments about what they have heard and ask questions to clarify their understanding;

- Hold conversation when engaged in back-and-forth exchanges with their teacher and peers.

ELG: Speaking

Children at the expected level of development will:

- Participate in small group, class and one-to-one discussions, offering their own ideas, using recently introduced vocabulary;

- Offer explanations for why things might happen, making use of recently introduced vocabulary from stories, non-fiction, rhymes and poems when appropriate;

- Express their ideas and feelings about their experiences using full sentences, including use of past, present and future tenses and making use of conjunctions, with modelling and support from their teacher.